Macro lens recommendations? Thinking about a macro lens for my Canon 7D. Want a versatile macro for walk-around use that will function for extreme closeups for flowers, hummingbirds...

Mike Padgett Loc: Arizona

Thinking about a macro lens for my Canon 7D. Want a versatile macro for walk-around use that will function for extreme closeups for flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, etc. Leaning toward Canon 100mm L lens, but the price sent me into pause mode.
Thanks for any recommendations on what to consider, as well as warnings on what to avoid.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

I shoot Nikon but I would recommend Canons version of the 105mm with VR. The 105mm does a really nice job and allows you to keep enough distance between you and the subject that you dont have so many issues frightening little critters away.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I always recommend buying camera manufacture's glass. Read and compare.

Canon Standard 100-mm macro lens:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

Canon Series L 100-mm macro lens:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-L-IS-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

designpro

I own this lens and I can tell you that the ouch effect will go away as the WOW factor will last forever!!!

And if you add this little helper Well.....................

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300603-REG/Canon_9199A001_Extension_Tube_EF_25.html

Just go for it.....

Mike Padgett wrote:

Thinking about a macro lens for my Canon 7D. Want a versatile macro for walk-around use that will function for extreme closeups for flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, etc. Leaning toward Canon 100mm L lens, but the price sent me into pause mode.
Thanks for any recommendations on what to consider, as well as warnings on what to avoid.

dfalk Loc: Chugiak, Alaska

These were shot with the Canon EF 100 f2.8 Macro lens. Not the IS version, not the L version.

http://www.dalefalk.com/photos/i-5rtqPhz/1/L/i-5rtqPhz-L.jpg

http://www.dalefalk.com/photos/i-kQpttZX/0/L/i-kQpttZX-L.jpg

designpro

Nice.............................

dfalk wrote:

These were shot with the Canon EF 100 f2.8 Macro lens. Not the IS version, not the L version.

http://www.dalefalk.com/photos/i-5rtqPhz/1/L/i-5rtqPhz-L.jpg

http://www.dalefalk.com/photos/i-kQpttZX/0/L/i-kQpttZX-L.jpg

Mike Padgett Loc: Arizona

Re: my request for input on Canon macro lens, everyone's input is causing my pause to fade. $$$ are fading in significance. I am doomed.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

To all Macro-Photographers:

Please join our Ugly HedgeHog True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

Subscribe here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp

larrycumba

Had and still have the non IS. Haven't really been inspired to do close up work yet. Lack of inspiration hasn't stopped me. Bought the IS L version today. I'm shaky. What led me to buy the first one was this. I was at a camera store just looking at them. Told the salesman I couldn't decide. He took the lens and mounted it on my 5D mark II. Took my picture. It was the sharpest photo I had ever seen. Almost 3D looking. In a trance I just handed him the money in my pocket and told him to stop counting when he had enough.

designpro

You sound like me!

larrycumba wrote:

Had and still have the non IS. Haven't really been... (show quote)

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

larrycumba wrote:

In a trance I just handed him the money in my pocket and told him to stop counting when he had enough.

You got a good chuckle out of me! Well said.

What are your plans for your non-IS lens? I bet you can find an interested party right on this thread.

Dback4430 Loc: Lockport Il

Mike Padgett wrote:

Thinking about a macro lens for my Canon 7D. Want a versatile macro for walk-around use that will function for extreme closeups for flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, etc. Leaning toward Canon 100mm L lens, but the price sent me into pause mode.
Thanks for any recommendations on what to consider, as well as warnings on what to avoid.

I have the sigma 105mm f/2.8 ex dg , i love it , I bought back in about 2000.
Here are a few shots taken with it at 1/250 @ f/11 from about 3 feet away
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-31087-1.html

RocketScientist Loc: Littleton, Colorado

THe 100mm F2.8 L IS USM is a very nice lens. You'll be over the price by the second shot. It is my first piece of L glass, I don't know how I lived without it.

larrycumba

Nikonian72 wrote:

larrycumba wrote:

In a trance I just handed him the money in my pocket and told him to stop counting when he had enough.

You got a good chuckle out of me! Well said.

What are your plans for your non-IS lens? I bet you can find an interested party right on this thread.

I'll give it to my niece. She is alot steadier than I am.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Mike Padgett wrote:

Thinking about a macro lens for my Canon 7D. Want a versatile macro for walk-around use that will function for extreme closeups for flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, etc. Leaning toward Canon 100mm L lens, but the price sent me into pause mode.
Thanks for any recommendations on what to consider, as well as warnings on what to avoid.

Hi Mike Padgett: I just purchased my Canon EF 100mm 2.8 usm macro lens used off of Craigs List from a local guy who bought it a couple years ago refurbished from B&H. I paid $375. I don't know if that is a lot or a little for you to spend. You can see from the photos posted by dfalk with the same lens it offers true macro 1:1, it also is a great portrait lens and will focus to infinity . Here is a website that offers great information on Canon lenses, it is easily understood and geared to beginner photographers but helpful to any level photographer. http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html Hope this helps..